Introduction When a sore throat strikes, especially one that’s severe, comes on suddenly, or is accompanied by fever and swollen tonsils, many people wonder whether it’s strep throat—a bacterial infection caused by Group A Streptococcus (GAS). While most sore throats are viral and resolve without treatment, strep throat requires antibiotics to prevent complications and stop the spread. To confirm the diagnosis, doctors use either a Rapid Strep Test (RST) or a throat culture. Both tests involve swabbing the back of the throat but differ in speed, accuracy, and clinical use. This article breaks down the differences between a rapid strep…
